DOHA: Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah yesterday hoped Turkey and Russia would soon resolve their dispute arising from the downing of the Russian fighter jet which violated Turkish airspace.
He said Turkey and Russia would find a way for a political and diplomatic solution to the row.
During a joint press conference with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni here, Dr Al Attiyah said close Turkish-Russian relations would make both countries overcome the crisis.
He expressed the confidence that the leaderships in Turkey and Russia will reach a political and diplomatic solution soon, referring to their excellent and improved ties.
Dr Al Attiyah confirmed the warmth of Qatar’s relations with Italy, describing them as “old and diverse.”
He said he discussed with Gentiloni matters relating to relations between the two countries, especially at the economic, cultural and political levels.
Qatar and Italy share the same views about the Syrian crisis and the necessity of a political solution in accordance with the principles of Geneva, Dr Al Attiyah said, adding yesterday’s in-depth talks were about terrorism and how to fight it.
He said the Syrian people have some priorities, prominent among them is the departure of Bashar Al Assad, and solving the problem of terrorism, pointing to the importance of taking into account these priorities during the debate on a political solution in Syria.
“We have learned from past experiences that local communities are able to cope with and defeat terrorism but when they were absent from the scene and ignored they have suffered and lost confidence in the international community,” he added.
On Libya, he pointed out that the two countries’ ideas and visions are also identical on the issue, stressing the need for Libya to be united.
He also confirmed support for the special representative of the UN secretary-general and Head of UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Martin Kobler’s mission to reach a political solution.
Gentiloni stressed the warmth of relations between Italy and Qatar which he said unites the vision of their policies at economic and cultural levels, noting that many projects will be implemented in near future and investments will be made, especially those relating to Qatar National Vision 2030 and cultural cooperation. He said he discussed with Dr Al Attiyah relations between the two countries in various areas, including cooperation.
Both sides also discussed the crisis being experienced by countries in the region, especially Syria and Libya, he added.
He said Italy will take part in the Vienna Summit and exert efforts to reach a solution to the crises that have beset all the region’s countries and avoid a war there.
He stressed Qatar and Italy’s keenness to move forward in solving the Libyan question despite risks and potential problems
The top Italian diplomat also stressed the need for Libya to remain united for the interest of its people and neighbouring countries, welcoming the reconciliation agreement signed in Doha last week between the Libyan tribes of Tuareg and Tebu.
Gentiloni said his visit to Qatar is a great opportunity for the development of relations and enhancing cooperation with regard to Libya and Syria.
Qatar could play an active role at the negotiating table by hosting opposition forces in Syria to reach a political solution, Gentiloni said.
The Vienna summit will produce solutions, he said, adding Italy proposes that Assad step down during the transitional period .
On the crisis between Turkey and Russia, Gentiloni hoped that the disagreement would not affect Vienna Summit outputs and underlined the necessity of preventing any escalation.
He also called for respecting Turkey’s territorial integrity and preventing the recurrence of such a violation.
The Peninsula
